The Milwaukee Brewers finished last season with the best record in all of MLB, but all that was quickly overshadowed when they faced the Los Angeles Dodgers in the postseason. That defeat didn’t just end the season—it opened up a questionable offseason.
What surprised many was that the Brewers weren’t in a hurry to patch up their MLB roster. Instead of making big-name signings, they made a bigger, more long-term decision—sending ace Freddy Peralta to the New York Mets in exchange for prospects Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat. A move for the future, not for instant fame.
This implies a rather cold truth: to win the NL Central Championship again, the Brewers need their current key players to perform even better.
And among them, Brice Turang is emerging as a crucial name.
According to Just Baseball, analyst Leo Morgenstern ranked Turang as the fourth best second baseman in MLB, behind only Jazz Chisholm Jr., Nico Hoerner, and Ketel Marte. A significant recognition—but also accompanied by considerable caution.
Morgenstern bluntly stated: the only thing keeping Turang out of the top three is… history. Before last season, he had never played at that level. For some, Turang’s breakout was the beginning of a new era. For others, it was just a temporary peak that needed to be tested.
And it is precisely this division that makes the story so compelling.
No one disputes Turang’s defense. He is almost universally agreed upon as the best defensive second baseman in MLB, and even one of the best infielders in the league. His range of movement, reflexes, and situational awareness—all are elite. The Gold Glove isn’t an ornament; it’s an accurate description.
But what truly elevated Turang’s value last season was… his bat.
Turang’s bat came alive at the right moment. Not in a power-up fashion, but with consistency, better ball selection, and improved speed. As a result, his WAR approached 6.0 — the rating of true All-Stars, not role players.
The question is: is that the new ceiling, or just a perfect moment?
The Brewers enter the 2026 season without Peralta, without an immediate replacement. They are placing their faith in depth, in their farming system, and in their current key players… raising their own bar standards. In that context, Turang doesn’t just need to repeat last season — he needs to prove it’s the new standard.
If Turang maintains his elite defense and continues to improve on his plate, surpassing the 6.0 WAR is entirely possible. And if that happens, the Brewers will have a huge advantage in a position often overlooked for its offensive value.
But if Turang’s bat slips again, the Brewers will feel the void left by Peralta — not on the mound, but in the overall weight of the team.
2026, therefore, is not just about defending the NL Central title. It’s about answering a big question: Is Brice Turang a rising star, or just a brilliant defender having a stellar year?
The Brewers have bet. Now it’s time for Turang to show his hand.
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